82 Small Gathering

__________ POV Narration__________

Usually, Momoze wouldn't be feeling so carefree heading straight for what any person with a brain would consider a trap.

But she was different this time. By her side, was someone she trusted enough to protect her safety and wellbeing. Both mental and physical.

Momoze didn't think of herself as an easy woman in the past. But this situation had shown her that she was quite quick to fall in love.

Although blaming her would be a bit cruel, the circumstances painted Ashton in the most perfect of lights.

If he was any lesser of a man, he would've likely accepted the girls misconstrued feelings. Or at least that was what the man thought.

But Momoze didn't think of it in a bad way. She knew she loved him because he provided a feeling of safety. He was strong, he was currently an anchor for her.

'Is it really wrong to love someone that helps you when you are down?' Was the thought coursing through her mind. She realised that Ashton didn't openly show much affection to her.

However, she didn't know enough about him to realise that this was just how he was in general. A man that is used to bottling up everything and avoiding complicated issues.

She thought he was hesitant because of the little time they spent together and the fact that she felt indebted to him.

And she was partly right. But there were many issues with this situation that only Ashton could notice. Like, the fact that she seemed to be completely dependant on him right now.

Or how she seemed to hang on to every single one of his words. The little teases he occasionally gave were usually taken as compliments, simple words were enough for her to react strongly.

Now, Momoze was trying to figure out a way for this man to show her his true feelings about their situation. Whilst Ashton was trying his best to avoid breaking the girl's heart for no good reason.

He was not in a state where he could accept someone's feelings anyway, regardless of circumstances. The mission ahead of him was something that he needed to focus on.

And love was something he considered to be the worst of distractions...

Although, deep down, he started caring for the little princess that happened in his arms.

Just like he started caring for the survivor of the Kurta Clan. Not out of duty, nor out of guilt, just because he felt 'pity'.

'It would be a pity for this child to die.' He tried his best to justify this to himself. But in the end...

He was slowly opening up to the people around him. Something that Netero had tried to get him to do for many decades.

And, had the old chairman been alive right now, he would finally be able to enjoy looking at his friend slowly breaking out of his self-made prison. One that had bars made of insecurity and fear.

But regardless of all of that. There are many obstacles in front of the people he now wants to protect.

He needs to face them accordingly. With the appropriate amount of cruelty and decisiveness.

Hesitation is rarely rewarded with anything other than regret. And the old scientist was done regretting.

__________ POV Ashton__________

We reached the room of the first prince quite quickly.

It was basically on the same corridor, so there wasn't any way to get lost whilst walking in a straight line.

Momoze was still following behind me, with a determined look on her face. I guess she's taking this meeting seriously huh?

Well, at least she doesn't seem to be afraid. I was expecting a bit of fear, to be honest. She doesn't really know what I can do, but she knows her brother quite well.

From the rumours I've heard, he should be quite decent in strength. Well, nothing on the level of even the weakest Zoldyck, but still, decent.

I won't count little Alluka on the list of Zoldycks by the way. Due to the calamity living in her body, she's likely the strongest Zoldyck anyway.

Regardless, It seems that Momoze blindly trusts in my skills. Even though she has barely seen anything that would be considered astonishing from me.

How do I get her to rely on me to a lesser extent? Well, I guess I should address the elephant in the room.

A large bear plushy looking Nen beast, it had blue fur, razor-sharp teeth, large round eyes and mouse ears and tail.

The Nen beast has been sticking to her like glue this entire time, even as she was being killed.

From all of the glances I've taken at the royalty on this ship, all of the Princes that I've seen had a Nen Beast on them.

I don't really know its context, but they should be related to the Succession War in some way. But I dislike how little combat ability she otherwise has.

Relying on a Nen beast for protection is quite foolish. Regardless of what that beast is capable of. I need to train Momoze to protect herself, at least to a basic level.

She doesn't really seem to be a hand-to-hand type, but I am proficient enough in a few weapons.

I will start talking her into learning archery after this meeting ends. I should be a good enough teacher for her, so there is no need to find one.

When entering the room of the first prince, I could already see a few people gathered there. One tall lady with a blue dress and blonde hair. She also seems to be quite the beauty.

For context, I am around 1.90 meters tall. Momoze looks to be around 1.55 at best. This lady is about as tall as I am. Although, she is wearing heels.

Inside the room, there was also a beautiful woman holding a baby in her arms.

I'd wager that the actual prince/princess was the baby in this case. The woman doesn't seem to be a maid though, so likely the mother.

Behind them, was the familiar face of Kurapika, who smiled a bit when seeing me.

I returned his smiled and continued to scour the room...That was it, only three princes were here. Benjamin seems to want to make an entrance or something.

He didn't even bother greeting us or anything. What a rude brat.

Everyone seemed to have brought a bodyguard, the blonde girl had two of them. She hasn't even spared us a glance this entire time.

It's a bit annoying that we now have to wait for the people that invited us in the first place...

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